THE MIRACLE OF THE MASSES

Introduction: This is the only miracle recorded by all four Gospels, the one witnessed by the largest gathering of spectators, and the one in which the largest number of people took part.

In this miracle, Jesus will teach us the indelible truth of a life and its influence when it is taken, blessed, broken, and given. (.41)

The miracle in this passage is set in the context of the Apostles returning to Jesus after their very first preaching tour. It also finds itself against the backdrop of the murder of John the Baptist.

The context of the story makes it plain that the apostles of Jesus were over-worked and exhausted and in much need of rest. Jesus instructs them in Mark 6:31.

"And He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat."

Vance Havner said, "If you don't part and rest, you will come apart."

Dr. A.T. Robertson points out that there were 4 separate withdrawals from Galilee, and that for these there were 5 reasons: the jealousy of Herod Antipas, the fanaticism of would-be followers, the hostility of the Jewish rulers, the summer heat in low-lying districts, and the necessity of maturing the Twelve.
The story magnifies the principle of Gal. 6:9

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."

Dr. W. Graham Scroggie gave a testimony at a Keswick Convention in England where he told his audience of a period in his ministry when he believed himself to be a colossal failure. Experiencing problems within his church, his soul was disturbed, and his mind seemed unable to cope with the demands being made upon him. He contemplated quitting the ministry and finding employment in some other sphere of education. Instead, he climbed a mountain and sat beneath a tree. There he told the Lord he was an absolute f ...

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